Popular rap artist Nicki Minaj heaped praise on President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest over the weekend, which not a single soul probably had on their 2025 bingo card. The “Anaconda” singer was introduced by Erika Kirk, who is now the president of TPUSA following the assassination of her husband, conservative icon Charlie Kirk.
While Minaj has supported Democratic candidates in the past, during her conversation on stage with Kirk, she said she had the “utmost” respect for the current Trump administration, especially because it has brought hope and light to folks during dark and turbulent times.
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” Minaj went on to say at AmFest. “I don’t know if he even knows this, but he’s given so many people hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys and to win, and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact.”
The rapper then explained that she’s both the president and vice president as “one of us,” the regular, everyday Americans, citing Trump and Vance’s ability to connect with people. “They haven’t lost touch of the world,” Minaj continued. “You know, they’re still connected to the world. And what’s happening in the world, with the younger people and older people, with the richer people and not so rich people, they have the ability to still connect and be real and make us feel proud to be American.”
As the chat continued, Kirk brought up Minaj’s recent social media posts taking shots at California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. She doubled down on her thoughts and opinions of Newsom’s administration. “Dear Newscum, we don’t have a problem cleaning up the scum if we have to, please tread lightly. That’s what I’d say to Gavie poo,” Minaj said.
According to Fox News, Minaj gave the keynote speech in November alongside United States Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz to help shed light on the religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria. She then went on to say the work she’s doing with the administration isn’t motivated by politics.
“I want to make it very clear — once again — that this isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice. It’s about what I’ve always stood for my entire career. And I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life. I will care if anyone, anywhere, is being persecuted for their beliefs,” Minaj remarked.
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Minaj also spoke about her religious journey during her appearance, declaring, “We won’t be silenced ever again; we will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.” The “Queen of Rap” promised she’s “not gonna back down anymore” and encouraged those attending AmFest to stand up for what they believe in, no matter what other people say.
A report from New York Post revealed that Kirk asked Minaj if her openness about her beliefs has led to backlash from within the entertainment industry, to which she replied, “I didn’t notice.” She added, “We’re the cool kids. The other people, they’re the others that are still just disgruntled. They are angry with themselves.”
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video